Scenic Hill Stations Near Bangalore Accessible by Overnight Buses (Coorg, Chikmagalur, Wayanad)

Craving for the hill stations, this monsoon? 

Every monsoon adventure starts with a journey and when you’re headed to the Western Ghats, the journey is pure anticipation. zingbus’s overnight routes to Bangalore are the ultimate travel hack for monsoon explorers. Whether you’re departing from Pune, Hyderabad, or Mumbai, zingbus’s premium AC sleeper and Volvo buses offer comfort, reliability, and a touch of luxury. With live tracking, and plush recliner seats, your vacation begins the moment you board.

• Pune to Bangalore: Two daily departures (7:00 PM & 8:30 PM), Volvo 9600 Multi-Axle and Bharat Benz AC sleepers, travel time (15 hours).
• Hyderabad to Bangalore: Multiple nightly departures, AC sleeper and multi-axle options, travel time (10 hours).
• Mumbai to Bangalore: Two daily departures (3:00 PM & 11:00 PM), AC sleeper comfort, travel time (16.5 hours).

Booking is simple: Visit the zingbus website or app, choose your route, and let the monsoon adventure begin.

Why Monsoon is the Best Time for Hill Station Escapes

Monsoon in the Western Ghats isn’t just a season, it’s a transformation. The rains awaken every leaf, stream, and hillside, turning the landscape into a living, breathing canvas of green. Waterfalls roar, forests shimmer, and the air is filled with the scent of earth and wildflowers. This is the time when Coorg, Chikmagalur, and Wayanad are at their most enchanting.

• Waterfalls Roar: Abbey Falls, Hebbe Falls, Meenmutty, and Soochipara become thunderous spectacles.
• Forests Awaken: Mist, moss, and wildflowers blanket the landscape.
• Cool, Crisp Air: Every breath is refreshing, every view a fresh painting.
• Wildlife Emerges: Birds, butterflies, and even elephants are more visible in the lush greenery.

Coorg: The Scotland of India

Step into Coorg and you’ll understand why it’s called the “Scotland of India.” Monsoon paints its rolling hills, dense forests, and endless coffee plantations in every shade of green.

Scenic Highlights

• Abbey Falls: Monsoon turns this into a roaring cascade, framed by ferns and wild orchids.
• Raja’s Seat: A hilltop garden where sunsets melt into misty valleys.
• Coffee Plantations: Walk through rain-drenched estates, inhale the aroma, and watch the clouds drift through the trees.
• Tadiandamol Peak: The highest point in Coorg, shrouded in clouds and mystery.

Famous For

• Coffee, honey, and spices.
• Unique Kodava culture and cuisine.
• Misty mornings and magical sunsets.

Local Culture

Coorg’s Kodava community celebrates the monsoon with warmth and festivity. If your visit coincides with the Puttari harvest festival, you’ll witness traditional dances, folk music, and rituals that echo the spirit of the hills.

Chikmagalur: Coffee Country in the Clouds

Chikmagalur is where the monsoon paints the hills a thousand shades of green. It’s the birthplace of Indian coffee and a paradise for those who crave mountain air and tranquil lakes.

Scenic Highlights

• Mullayanagiri Peak: Karnataka’s highest peak, often lost in swirling clouds.
• Hebbe Falls: A hidden gem, best seen after a rain-soaked trek.
• Hirekolale Lake: Mirror-like waters reflecting the rain-washed hills.
• Baba Budangiri: Mystical hills with ancient caves and sweeping meadows.

Famous For

• Aromatic coffee estates.
• Trekking trails and panoramic viewpoints.
• Fresh mountain air and serene lakes.

Local Culture

The monsoon marks the start of the coffee harvest season. Experience the rhythm of plantation life, watch beans being handpicked, and savor the freshest brews right at the source.

Wayanad: Kerala’s Rainforest Wonderland

Cross into Kerala, and Wayanad greets you with rainforests, spice gardens, and waterfalls that thunder with monsoon power. The air is thick with the scent of cardamom and wet earth, and every path leads to a new natural wonder.

Scenic Highlights

• Meenmutty Falls: A three-tiered waterfall, spectacular in the rains.
• Soochipara Falls: Surrounded by forests, it’s a must-see for waterfall lovers.
• Edakkal Caves: Ancient rock art set against misty hills.
• Pookode Lake: Serene, rain-fed waters perfect for a quiet boat ride.

Famous For

• Lush spice plantations.
• Ancient caves and tribal heritage.
• Wildlife sanctuaries and birdwatching.

Local Culture

Wayanad’s indigenous tribes celebrate the monsoon with unique rituals and art forms. Explore local markets for tribal crafts, bamboo products, and monsoon-harvested spices.

Local Cuisine Highlights: Monsoon Specials

Monsoon is a feast for the senses, and nowhere is this truer than in the kitchens of the Western Ghats.

• Coorg: Relish Pandi Curry (pork curry), Kadambuttu (rice balls), bamboo shoot curry, and wild honey. Pair it with a mug of freshly brewed Coorg coffee.
• Chikmagalur: Savor Malnad-style meals akki rotti (rice roti), koli saaru (chicken curry), and jackfruit specialties. Don’t miss the legendary filter coffee.
• Wayanad: Enjoy Kerala Sadya (vegetarian feast), bamboo rice payasam, banana chips, and spicy fish curries. Sip on spiced teas as the rain pours outside.

Seek out local cafes and homestays for authentic flavors, and ask for monsoon specials; they’re often the freshest and most comforting dishes.

Eco-Friendly Travel Practices

The monsoon is nature’s celebration let’s keep it pristine:

• Carry reusable water bottles and bags.
• Avoid single-use plastics.
• Dispose of waste responsibly leave only footprints.
• Respect wildlife and natural habitats.
• Support local artisans and farmers by buying local produce and crafts.

Monsoon Packing Checklist: Travel Smart, Travel Happy

• Rain jacket or poncho
• Quick-dry clothing and extra socks
• Waterproof shoes with good grip
• Backpack rain cover
• First aid kit and basic medicines
• Reusable water bottle
• Power bank and waterproof phone pouch
• Plastic zip-lock bags for electronics
• Camera (see photography tips below!)
• Mosquito repellent
• Trekking poles (for those exploring trails)
• Quick-dry towel

Monsoon Safety & Health Tips

• Stay informed: Check weather updates and road conditions before you travel.
• Avoid risky spots: Don’t venture into swollen rivers or attempt treks in heavy downpours.
• Eat fresh: Choose hot, freshly cooked food to avoid stomach upsets.
• Use repellent: Mosquitoes thrive in the monsoon, apply repellent and wear long sleeves.
• Keep emergency contacts handy: Know the local hospital and police station numbers.

Monsoon Photography Tips: Capturing the Magic

The monsoon is a photographer’s dream if you’re prepared! Here’s how to capture its beauty:

1. Embrace the Elements

• Use a rain cover or waterproof housing for your camera.
• Wear waterproof clothing and boots for comfort.

2. Understand the Lighting

• Overcast skies create soft, diffuse light perfect for moody landscapes.
• Golden hour after rain can produce magical, glowing scenes.

3. Capture the Mood

• Photograph people enjoying the rain, children playing, or mist drifting through trees.
• Dramatic cloudscapes and reflections in puddles add depth.

4. Experiment with Shutter Speeds

• Fast shutter: Freeze raindrops in midair.
• Slow shutter: Blur falling rain for a dreamy effect.

5. Play with Colors

• Enhance the greens and look for contrasting colors, red umbrellas, yellow raincoats, and wildflowers.

6. Protect Your Gear

• Carry waterproof bags and silica gel packs.
• Dry your equipment thoroughly after each shoot.

7. Night Photography

• Capture reflections and lights in puddles after rain.
• Experiment with long exposures for starbursts and light trails.

8. Stay Safe

• Avoid dangerous spots, especially near waterfalls or during storms.
• Choose safe, accessible locations for your shoots.

Getting from Bangalore to the Hill Stations

Once you arrive in Bangalore via zingbus, the hills are within easy reach:

• To Coorg: 260 km. State buses, taxis, or self-drive. The journey winds through forests and valleys, with every turn a photo opportunity.
• To Chikmagalur: 245 km. State buses, taxis, or drive yourself for the ultimate monsoon road trip.
• To Wayanad: 280 km. Kerala state buses, private operators, or a scenic drive through the Ghats.

Local Transport Tips:

• Buses: Karnataka and Kerala state buses are reliable and frequent.
• Taxis: Book through trusted apps or local agencies at Bangalore bus stations.
• Car Rentals: Self-drive gives you flexibility to stop at scenic points and hidden gems.
• Road Conditions: Monsoon can mean slippery roads drive cautiously, especially on ghats.

Nearby Attractions and Day Trips

Near Coorg:

• Nagarhole National Park: Safari through dense forests to spot elephants, deer, and (if lucky) tigers.
• Iruppu Falls: Another monsoon-fed waterfall, surrounded by lush forest.
• Madikeri Fort: Explore the history and panoramic views of Coorg’s capital.

Near Chikmagalur:

• Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to tigers, leopards, and a variety of birds.
• Mullodi Village: Gateway to the Kudremukh trek, famous for rolling green hills.
• Sringeri: Ancient temple town by the Tunga River, serene and spiritual.

Near Wayanad:

• Kuruva Island: A river island with rare flora and fauna, accessible by bamboo rafts.
• Tholpetty Wildlife Sanctuary: Spot elephants, deer, and peacocks in their natural habitat.
• Banasura Sagar Dam: India’s largest earth dam, surrounded by misty hills and boating options.

Suggested Weekend Monsoon Itinerary

Friday Night:
Board your zingbus from Pune, Hyderabad, or Mumbai. Settle in, enjoy the ride, and drift off to the lullaby of rain on the windows.

Saturday Morning:
Arrive in Bangalore. Grab a coffee, catch a bus or taxi to your chosen hill station, and watch the scenery transform as you climb into the clouds.

Saturday Afternoon:
Check in, explore waterfalls, walk through coffee estates, and let the monsoon work its magic.

Saturday Evening:
Watch the sunset from Raja’s Seat (Coorg), Mullayanagiri (Chikmagalur), or a lakeside in Wayanad. Savor a local meal and listen to the rain.

Sunday:
Wake to birdsong and mist. Visit a wildlife sanctuary, local market, or ancient temple. Return to Bangalore by evening and board your zingbus home.

Let the Monsoon Move You

This monsoon, don’t just dream about the hills and immerse yourself in them. Let the rains wash away your worries, let the waterfalls and forests fill you with wonder, and let zingbus carry you to the heart of nature’s masterpiece.

Book your zingbus journey now:

• Pune to Bangalore
• Hyderabad to Bangalore
• Mumbai to Bangalore

The hills are calling. The monsoon is waiting. Your adventure is just a bus ride away.

Travel safely, embrace the rain, and let every mile bring you closer to the magic of Coorg, Chikmagalur, and Wayanad.

Frequently Asked Questions